The 33 pupils raised the money for torch bearer Kevin Betts’ chosen charity Rethink and Help for Heroes, with cash going to fund the building of a school in Africa.

Teacher Zoe Fuller took her class, dubbed Team Happy Feet, from Hellingly entrance to the Cuckoo Trail for the four and a half mile run. The run was interspersed with sporting activities.

Ms Fuller said: “The children have been learning how to set themselves goals and challenges and they were so inspired by the Olympic Games last year we had a torch bearer visit us and show the children his torch.

“In turn they were inspired by him and wanted to set themselves a goal of running a distance and he came to help us with that challenge and so we did mini Olympics challenges along the way.

“The whole day was brilliant. It was amazing and we were very lucky with the weather.”

She added: “The day helped them learn what it feels like to exceed at something and then we will put that into other parts of the curriculum.”